Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers (Meles meles) from the United Kingdom

Molecular investigation and clinical management of Hepatozoon Canis infection in an Indian jackal - a case report

BACKGROUND

Hepatozoonosis is a common tick-borne illness reported from all over the world. The infection has been well documented in dogs and cats, and has also been identified in wild canids and felids. India is home to many canid species; however, the incidence of Hepatozoonosis in wild canids is rarely reported. A wide variety of protocols have been discussed for the clinical management of the infection in companion animals; however, the suitability of treatment protocols in wild canids is understudied. The current case report highlights the clinical management of Hepatozoonosis in an Indian jackal and molecular investigation to provide vital insights into the epidemiology of the disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A paraplegic Indian jackal was rescued from Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India. The animal had extensive decubital ulcers on the left pin bone and could not walk; however, the animal was active and dragged the hindlimb during locomotion. The vital parameters, blood and serum investigations were normal. Post physiotherapy, massage and infrared therapy, the animal could walk but started knuckling, resulting in injuries. Eight weeks into rehabilitation, the animal had a steep fall in haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, weight loss and was diagnosed with Hepatozoonosis. Considering the altered vital parameters, the jackal was rationally treated with Doxycyclin @ 20 mg/Kg O.D. (Once Daily) for 45 days along with supportive therapy. The jackal recovered after the treatment and led a normal life.

CONCLUSION

Mono-drug regime using Doxycycline was effective in the alleviation of H.canis infection in jackal. The drug was effective in alleviating the clinical presentation without alteration of vital parameters. The molecular investigation provided qualitative inputs in understanding the epidemiology of Hepatozoon in wild canids.

An epidemiological study in wild carnivores from Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems reveals association between Leishmania infantum, Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. infection and new hosts for Hepatozoon martis, Hepatozoon canis and Sarcocystis spp

The aetiology and epidemiology of vector borne apicomplexan Babesia and Hepatozoon and kinetoplastid Leishmania infantum infections in wildlife have not been explored in wide areas of southern Spain. We investigated these infections in 151 wild carnivores, including foxes, badgers, beech martens, hedgehogs, wild cats, Egyptian mongooses, otters, genets and racoons. Overall, Hepatozoon, Babesia and L. infantum infections were detected in 68%, 48% and 23% of the wild animals surveyed, respectively. L. infantum-infected wildlife were more likely to be also infected with the apicomplexan Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. compared to the non-infected counterparts (p < .05). We report for the first time Hepatozoon martis in badgers and wild cats and H. canis in beech martens, and a Babesia sp. in wild cats from Spain. Our results also indicate the widespread distribution of H. canis in foxes (91%) and beech martens (13%), H. martis in beech martens (81%), wild cats (20%) and badgers (13%), H. felis in wild cats (60%), B. vulpes in foxes (64%), Babesia sp. type A closely related to B. vulpes, in badgers (58%) and Babesia sp. in wild cats (20%). Moreover, L. infantum infection was found in foxes (29%), beech martens (13%), badgers (8%) and 1/3 Egyptian mongooses. We also detected Cytauxzoon sp. in a wild cat and the first Sarcocystis sp. in a genet. This study provided evidence of increased risk of L. infantum infection in wildlife animals co-infected with Babesia spp. or Hepatozoon spp. and indicated that these infections are widespread in wild carnivores from Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.